Silent remembrance

The Island fell silent at 11am on Sunday as thousands of people from towns and villages paid their respects to The Fallen.

Hundreds were in St Thomas’s Square, Newport, during the main service for a procession led by the Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band which made its way down the High Street.

Wreaths were laid by Island dignitaries including Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, High Sheriff, Dawn Haig-Thomas, and IW Council chairman, Claire Critchison.

The West Wight parade was held outside All Saints’ Church, Freshwater, with the service being led by Rev Leisa Potter, with 40 wreaths laid. The parade was organised by Andre Usbourne with Parade Commander, Sir Guy Acland, while Graham Biss laid a wreath on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant.

The Medina Marching Band led the parade up the Main Road in Brighstone for the first time since 2019, with Rev Jackie Maw leading the service at the War Memorial. Mary Case laid a wreath on the behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant.

In East Cowes, around 200 people gathered including community leaders, Girl Guides, Scouts and veterans.

Sandown & Shanklin Military Band performed at the town parade, attended by around 650 people with a service conducted by the Rev Mark Williams.

Ventnor residents were not put off by heavy rain at Ventnor Park, with Wight Diamonds Marching Band providing the music.

Services were held in Cowes, with the IW Pipes & Drums, and in Lake with Rev John Izzard officiating. In Ryde there was a very large turnout despite the forecast of rain. President of the Island’s Royal British Legion, Charles Chapman, presented the book of names of Ryde’s fallen to Rev Heath Monighan, which are then read out while wreaths were laid. The wreath for the Lord-Lieutenant was laid by Nicholas England DL. Across the Island sports clubs paid tribute with a silence before matches and games.

In Niton young people were invited to lay wreaths, Bethany Taylor (12) laid a wreath on behalf of ward councillor, Claire Critchison. Riley and Calum Potter, aged 7 & 10, accompanied Andy Osborn, vice-chairman of the parish council, to lay a wreath for the council. James Attrill also laid a wreath on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant. The service was led by Rev Paddie Collyer.

“I think it’s really important to get young people involved in Remembrance Sunday,” said Mr Osborn, “as they will be the ones leading these remembrance events in the future.”

Meanwhile, a ‘Spider Ride’ was held at the Havenstreet Memorial to remember the soldiers – and animals – lost during the Great War. More than 50 horses turned up to show their respects all turned out with poppies.